break ground

== English == === Alternative forms === break land === Pronunciation === === Verb === break ground (third-person singular simple present breaks ground, present participle breaking ground, simple past broke ground, past participle broken ground) (literally) To begin digging in the earth at the start of a new construction, or, originally, for cultivation. (figurative) To initiate a new venture, or to advance beyond previous achievements. (nautical, of an anchor) To lift off the sea bottom when being weighed. (of an aircraft) To separate from the ground on takeoff; to become airborne. ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== blaze a trail break new ground ground-breaking